M!@

Ritchey, sorry about your stall, it will pass. I was stalling there for a bit. But once I upped my exercise (cardio) it broke. I hope it will come for you soon.

To laugh a lot, to let go of the petty, and praise the small victories. With being just two months out from surgery this very day, my goal is to maximize my weight loss by continued focus on increasing exercise and activity. To track and get all the recommended Protein and liquid everyday, and to accept that if I don't there is always tomorrow. Oh and in 2016, I plan to show a little skin. I am the founding member of messy hair don't care and sweat pants club. But I vow to put on a little make up every now and then, get pedicures, and eyebrows threaded, put on a nice outfit that does not cover up my entire body and commence to strut. Hell I may even throw in the heels.

207.8 lbs

sinnombre, there is a thread which covers this information. Way too much to type here. Just go to the forum home page and do some searching. Good luck to you and I will see you on the sleeved side.

Spinning or Zumba what shall it be? Just glad to have all the choices. You are rocking this!

@ Santiago So true! I kept my surgery to myself except for my husband, sister, and 2 good friends, one of which was also have the surgery. I did not care or need the comments people would offer regardless if I have asked their opinion, before or after the surgery. And when people say "you've lost weight" I say "well, I do what I can" or "sure trying to" or the even "its a struggle". The people who know see me working my butt off literally, and the people who don't know, well they see me working my butt off literally.

@VSGAn2014, @ CowgirlJane, @ all you veterans, I am a newbie at just under 2 months out, and when it comes to butthurt newbies, I too am of the mind of not caring. It is one thing to come here and expect support and answers from those who have been through the process. It is completely another to complain about the answers you get because you didn't like the delivery. Frankly, some of the questions require common since, or a simple search for others who have posted the same thing. To be honest, if I post a question or concern, you are the ones I want to hear tell me to "buck up" or stop complaining, or however you chose to say it. Keep it coming. I don't want to be coddled, cuddled, don't need my boo boos kissed or none of that, because it is not going to set me straight if I am doing something wrong. Oh and I love the sarcasm and humor because it makes me think about it and laugh. And no body can lay it on like those who have been there. I get that some people don't like it that way but I do. As a newbie, I can't give the advise the way you can, I can offer support because I am currently going through it. But only you guys can say some of the things that I can only think about but not write. You are relevant to me and to the many others who come here for truth about the real problems or to be checked when I post something I am doing wrong, knowing good and damn well I am doing something wrong when I post it. Stay Real! and for gosh sake, stick around!

serendipity, I am so sorry you are dealing with complications. I hope you have a speedy recovery. I personally did not have complications but it seems others who have began to feel much better about having the surgery after getting some relief from this stage. Again I hope you recovery soon, and quickly get to the point where you can enjoy the benefits of this new lifestyle you have chosen.

Jerz, Thank you for your post. 5 years wow. I knew going into this that this would be a lifelong ordeal. You look awesome and I am sorry that you have pain with eating, that has to be a struggle. You mentioned slumps of not losing weight. Are you still attempting to lose weight or are you in maintenance? And how much do you weigh currently, if you don't mind sharing, what was the starting weight, and your goal if you are not there yet?

Yes to the recipes, please share.

Very cute Ritchey! No fret I think we are all in bit of a stall. I keep jumping around at 209. I have been using the elliptical. It will start to come off soon.

Just bought some to try today...

I would have to say this is fairly normal from what others have said. I was nervous to be on the other side, but I had pretty much decided and I was going through with it. I had my emotional roller coaster around making the decision, not sleeping, to overthinking about the options, to thinking I could do it with out the surgery, to I am out of my mind if I don't do this. To WHACK!! Cool and collected. I say all this to say again, it is normal, and even in my opposite reaction, I still went through the roller coaster as well.

I definitely applaud you! You have admitted your fault publicly and are on your way already to corrective action. That's what it is all about, especially for those who are looking up to you as you are so much further ahead on your journey than some of us. Thank you for posting this as well as setting an example of what done right looks like.

That's awesome! Congratulations to you on all your hard work. Such an inspiration.

Tany, Lots of people go through a stage where they have "food funerals". But the truth is, this surgery is only a tool to get you where you need to be. In order for it to work you are going to have to use it properly. You are getting off to a good start by getting support. But ask yourself, how it is you have been able to keep at it for 6 months, there has been determination and will power. Congrats on the 50+ lb loss thus far. The food funerals are about anxiety, and anxiety about this major life style change is normal. The truth is down the line, you may be able to eat those foods again, only in much smaller portions. However, that is something to think about in maintenance after you reach your goal weight. For now though, continue to engage your supports. And once you are on the other side, remember we are all here on this journey with you.

The protein is what your body needs to continue to function properly. If you do not get your protein and your Water, you will find that your body will not let go of the weight. Which protein you use is up to you and once you move to non-liquid, you can eat Proteins. But depending on the amount you need per day, it still may be a struggle to get in the needed amount. So lots of people supplement. Bottom line is talk things over with you doc and your nutritionist and follow their recommendations.

Sleeved Nov 13. Just as all of you have already said, there is a lot of getting to know my sleeve going on. It is weird, I will think a food is good as it my sleeve is ok with it and the next time I have it I will vomit. Right now my focus is on increasing my workout's intensity. Luckily I have a bike and elliptical at home for this extended break, but the gym bag is already packed and ready to go for the new year.

I'm in! SW 210 GW 199

Belize, I hope you start feeling better. Ritchey, that is what I thought too. It took some adjustment.

Don't waste your money. Depending on when you get there, you are not allowed to drink or eat the day prior to surgery, and they generally provide what you need after. I had my surgery in TJ and had no issues. I had popsicle, broth, and apple juice. I did not have water until i was on the return flight home. The bottled water you buy will just be something extra for you to carry and you may not even be able to drink it.

First there is needed information. When was your surgery? If you are early out and you ruin your sleeve, that means a leakage of some kind and reporting to the ER. Depending on stage. If you are saying you have not been getting your protein, then start getting it (Protein drinks are not necessary). Protein comes in all forms. Some of us just supplement with protein drinks. If you feel like you need to add them back in, then the call is yours.

Hey Ritchey, So sorry you are having a time keeping in food. Hopefully the protein bars will work for you. I have hit somewhat of a stall myself. Hovering around 209.6, of course I have been on my TOM this week so hopefully if I can flush the water, I can see a drop. Ritchey, my issue has been my salt intake or lack there of. My doctor and I realized that even before the procedure I was not getting enough salt, and drinking way too much water which was causing some edema in the lower extremities. So I have to ensure I get enough sodium.

I do not eat back calories I earn in activity on my fitbit. Fact is, I wouldn't be able to.

My mom grabbed me by the waist and said "Girl, look at this tiny waist".